Bank of China launches debt capital market centre in Singapore

It will support the bank's strategy to broaden its investor base.

Bank of China announced the launch of its new Debt Capital Market Centre (Asia) in Singapore – the first of its kind established by a Chinese bank in the country.

The new centre will leverage on Bank of China’s extensive global expertise and distribution network to provide bond origination and distribution services for clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

The centre will allow Bank of China to capitalise on the growing debt capital markets in Asia-Pacific, which reached a record volume of USD1.45 trillion in 2016, up 16 per cent from 2015. It will also support Bank of China’s strategy to broaden its investor base by delivering an expanded remit of quality investment products, promoting the Chinese bond market and unlocking further underwriting opportunities for Panda bonds in the region.

Mr Qiu Zhikun, General Manager of Bank of China Singapore Branch, Country Head said, “Bank of China has always been committed to its role as the enabler of economic trade cooperation between China and Singapore, and the establishment of the new regional centre is a strategic extension of this commitment.

“With the Group’s strong global expertise in debt capital markets and long-standing history of more than 80 years in Singapore, Bank of China is well-placed to support the debt capital market financial needs of businesses in Asia-Pacific, and serve as a one-stop integrated financial services centre for issuers and investors alike,” said Mr Qiu.

Mr Deng Lei, Assistant General Manager of Singapore Branch, Assistant Country Head pointed to Singapore’s strategic location and status as an important trade and financial hub as key reasons for basing the regional debt capital market centre here.

“Singapore plays a crucial role as a regional gateway for international corporates and businesses looking to expand into new markets in the region. The launch of our new regional debt capital market centre in Singapore will enhance the integration of Bank of China’s commercial and investment banking services, and go a long way in continuing to bridge the growing trade and investment flows between China and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Mr Deng.

The establishment of Bank of China’s regional debt capital market centre also reaffirms Bank of China’s commitment to Singapore, and the Singapore branch’s leading position as an innovative frontrunner in the banking and financial services industry. With the added remit, Bank of China continues to be well-placed to strengthen the bilateral relations between Singapore and China, boost the internationalisation of Renminbi and support “Belt and Road” initiative.

Over the years, Bank of China has launched several regional service platforms in Singapore, including its Commodity Business Unit, Forfaiting Unit, Card Centre as well as the Private Banking arm. With the launch of the new regional debt capital market centre, Bank of China will significantly enhance its integrated capabilities which today provides a comprehensive range of capital market financial services that include syndication loans, Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs), Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).